Newcastle United defender Davide Santon has ruled out a return to Serie A amid interest from AS Roma and has urged the Magpies to sign Lille right-back Mathieu Debuchy.

Santon, 21, joined Newcastle from Inter Milan in 2011 and played 24 games last season as Newcastle exceeded expectations to finish fifth in the Premier League - above both Chelsea and Liverpool.

The Italian defender is greatly enjoying his time at St James Park and does not want to leave English football just yet.

"I know Roma are looking for a right-back and they showed interest in me, but Newcastle immediately refused to give me up," Santon told Calciomercato.

"That's okay for me because I have familiarised myself with England and I have no plans to move. I've only been here for a year and it is too early to pack up and come back to Italy."

Full-back Santon can play on either flank but has functioned predominantly on the left for Newcastle and does not feel threatened by the potential arrival of France right-back Debuchy.

"Debuchy to Newcastle? I am calm," Santon said of manager Alan Pardew's interest in the defender. "Pardew had told me that he had thought about playing me on the right, but also that another right-back would come.

"Debuchy or whoever, is welcome, especially if it is a good player who can help the team. Then, we'll see who the coach decides to pick."